AC Pup reflects on the people who help make Middle Georgia special

What an incredible birthday party I had last week! I never realized turning 7 years old would be so much fun.

It seems like only yesterday Animal Control picked me up when I was a very tiny, very cold and very homeless baby.

Who knew that seven years later at my birthday party I would be surrounded by so many friends and loved ones? In fact, as I was celebrating at my party, the thought occurred to me that almost everyone I love and care about was right there with me at the party on the beautiful campus of Georgia Industrial Children's Home.

That was really a pretty overwhelming thought for me. But it was true. I looked around and saw so many people who have meant so much to me over the years. I saw people who have provided love and care for me, people who literally saved my life.

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I saw people who shaped my destiny, and I saw people who made a difference in not only my life but also the lives of thousands of animals. I saw people who gave me opportunities. I saw people who gave me encouragement.

I know so many of the folks attending thought I was only staring at the cupcakes. And it probably did look like I was coveting and salivating over the wonderful confections rather than having deep philosophical thoughts.

Although the cupcakes did cross my mind, I also was contemplating so many tender thoughts. I was thinking about what meant so much to me as I looked at all the people who chose to spend their Saturday afternoon with me. It meant so much to me that a ton of people turned out for my birthday party to spend time with CARES, folks from the Industrial Home and me.

And it meant so much to me to see people parade into the party carrying bags and bags of pet food for needy people to share with their hungry pets. It meant so much to me that these people wanted to help others they would never meet. They were generously giving without the opportunity to see the beneficiaries of their gifts.

It means so much to me that my nonprofit animal advocacy group, Central Georgia CARES, is always there championing the cause for animals no matter what obstacles appear. I can always count on them to be resilient and carry the torch for the downtrodden, including animals and people.

As I surveyed the crowd and looked at my loved ones from my family and CARES, it struck me why my heart was so touched. I was moved because the people I could see represented the strong individuals who care about Middle Georgia being a humane community. They care about the suffering of homeless animals and needy people. They are determined to make a difference.

I'm so proud to be a part of such a caring community. Thank you for making my birthday incredible.

Send questions to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or like his Facebook page.